Octachlorostyrene (OCS) and trans-nonachlor (TNC) were detected in cape petrels (Daption capense) of King George Island, which tallies with their presence in samples of gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) of the Falkland Islands. The detection of TNC in a sample of the Antarctic southern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialoides) implies that the Antarctic region has been contaminated by this compound. Mirex and photomirex were also detected in samples of the cape petrels and southern fulmar, as well as in Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) from Hop Island. The ratios of the mirex and photomirex concentrations in the truly Antarctic species from different locations are similar, which suggests that these compounds are diffusely distributed over the continent. The detection of organochlorine pollutants in Antarctic seabirds is an indication that these compounds have a global distribution. Screening of subcutaneous fat of Antarctic seabirds for organochlorines provides an excellent indication of the occurrence of organochlorine pollutants in Antarctica, and as such an ‘early warning’ for the global dispersion of these compounds.
